Customer spotlight: Irvine Company

Presented by SDG&E

Irvine Company, a commercial real estate company, has turned sustainability into a competitive advantage. Over the past decade, the company has completed more than 120 energy-saving projects across its 56 office properties in the San Diego area. For its outstanding achievements in energy efficiency and conservation, the company was awarded Grand Champion of SDG&E’s Energy Champion awards at the 9th annual Energy Showcase on May 13.

According to Richard Dishman, Irvine Company’s director of engineering for downtown San Diego, the company continues to raise the bar on its energy and water-saving efforts every year, setting a higher standard for the commercial real estate sector.

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“Stewardship of natural resources has been part of Irvine Company since it was founded and is a fundamental part of the legacy and culture we live today,” said Dishman.

Taking the lead in LEED certification

In 2013, 14 Irvine Company buildings in the San Diego area were awarded LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for excellence in sustainability. This brings its local LEED certifications to 18, including six Silver, 11 Gold and one Platinum. The EPA also named Irvine Company the 2013 ENERGY STAR Leader/Top Performer in Commercial Real Estate.

These recognitions are the result of the diverse range of projects Irvine Company has undertaken. From seven electric vehicle (EV) charging station installations with plans for expansion; to water conservation efforts that have saved more than 19 million gallons per year; to the six Green Fairs held annually for customers, their families and the public to learn about green products and services; Irvine Company is committed at every level.

Sustainability success through upgrades and innovations

Irvine Company has driven significant energy improvement through heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system upgrades. Replacing a forced-draft cooling tower with an induced-draft version at One America Plaza saved 1.1 million kWh alone, the equivalent to taking 160 vehicles off the road. The company is also currently implementing extensive LED lighting upgrades. And as part of an innovative SDG&E lighting control pilot, Irvine Company is also testing the latest sensor technology. Installed on one floor at One America Plaza, these 230 sensors detect movement, ambient light and temperature to maximize occupant comfort, increase day lighting and enable greater savings. Initial results indicate savings of up to 50 percent.

Using innovative approaches to sustainability, Irvine Company is evaluating lighting controls and fault detection diagnostics where it makes business sense. More than just savings, Irvine Company has found energy efficiency to be a point of pride for its customers, and also appealing to companies looking for office space. With three-year savings of 3,210,067 kWh and 75,058 therms – the equivalent of powering 55 homes and taking 466 vehicles off the road – and $467,335 in earned SDG&E incentives, Irvine Company is delivering on that demand.